Starting with Tommy Bergjans and ending with Robert Lucido, eleven D-III Players heard their names called in the MLB First-Year Player Draft. Bergjans was selected on June 9th while all other D-III players were selected on the following day of the MLB Draft.
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- 2015 D3baseball.com All-Americans
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Tommy Bergjans, RHP, Haverford
Los Angeles Dodgers, 8th round, No. 252 overall
Ht.: 6-1. Wt.: 190.
Bats: Right. Throws: Right.
Hometown: Manhattan Beach, Calif.
The Los Angeles Dodgers made Tommy Bergjans the first D-III Player selected in the 2015 MLB First-Year Player Draft. Bergjans was taken in the 8th round, No. 252nd overall. The three-time All-American is the third Ford in Haverford baseball history to be selected in the MLB draft.
Chaon Garland was a third round draft pick of the Oakland A's in the 1990 MLB Draft while Dean Laganosky was selected by the Cleveland Indians in the 45th round of the 2008 draft. The Fords have had five players play minor league baseball, most recently Jake Chaplin who signed in 2012 as a non-drafted free agent by the Los Angeles Dodgers, with several more playing professionally overseas. Haverford has had one player reach the majors with Bill Lindsay playing in 19 games for the Cleveland Naps (precursor to the Cleveland Indians) in 1911.
Bergjans was fantastic in his senior season, finishing with a 5-3 record, 1.07 ERA and 111 strikeouts in 67.1 innings. The Manhattan Beach, Calif. native was the NCAA Division III leader in strikeouts and strikeouts per nine innings (14.48), second in ERA, 10th in strikeout to walk ratio (7.93) and 14th in WHIP (.92). He became the first Ford in program history to strike out over 100 batters in a season. The Fords' pitcher posted eight 10+ strikeout outings in 2015 and finished his career with 18 total.
The pitcher graduated as the program's all-time leader in ERA (1.69), lowest opponent's batting average (.195), most strikeouts per nine (11.91), wins (27), innings pitched (282.2), strikeouts (374), the Centennial Conference career mark. The three-time Centennial Conference Pitcher of the Year capped off his career at Haverford with receiving the Varsity Cup which is awarded to the most outstanding athlete of the senior class.
Mike Odenwaelder, OF, Amherst
Baltimore Orioles, 16th round, No. 493rd overall
Ht.: 6-5. Wt.: 225.
Bats: Right. Throws: Right.
Hometown: Goshen, Conn.
Mike Odenwaelder, a pitcher and outfielder for the Amherst Lord Jeffs, was selected by the Baltimore Orioles with their 16th pick of the MLB First-Year Player Draft. The 493rd overall pick was taken as an outfielder.
Odenwaelder became the 15th player in Amherst history to get selected in the MLB draft and is the first junior since 1981 (John Cerutti). He is also the second Amherst player to get drafted in the last four years, as Kevin Heller was selected by the Boston Red Sox following the 2012 campaign.
Odenwaelder helped guide the Jeffs to a third-straight NCAA Regional appearance, as well as a NESCAC Championship final, as they finished the year with a 27-15 overall record and 9-3 conference mark. He also lead the team offensively in batting average (.380), on-base percentage (.446), slugging percentage (.590), hits (63), home runs (7) and stolen bases (15).
Odenwaelder is the first Amherst and NESCAC athlete, to be named to the ABCA/Rawlings NCAA Division III Gold Glove Team. award. The junior centerfielder was just one of nine players to be recognized. In 42 games played, Odenwaelder committed just one error with 118 put outs in 127 chances. He recorded eight assists and registered a .992 fielding percentage.
He repeated as the NESCAC Player of the Year and was also named a First Team All-NESCAC selection for the third time. Odenwaelder was a First Team All-New England Region and a D3baseball.com All-American. He was also named a 2013 NESCAC Rookie of the Year.
Odenwaelder is a career .372 hitter (162-for-436) with a .580 slugging percentage including 25 doubles, nine triples, 16 home runs and 86 RBI. He also stole 39 bases and scored 109 times in 118 career games. Aside from his powerful bat, Odenwaelder also appeared in 10 games on the mound and has a career ERA of 2.55 with 25 strikeouts in 24.2 innings. He has surrendered just seven earned runs on 11 hits.
Taylor Henry, LHP, Centenary (La.)
New York Mets, 21th round, No. 629th overall
Ht.: 6-2. Wt.: 185.
Bats: Left. Throws: Left.
Hometown: Bossier City, La.
Taylor Henry was drafted by the New York Mets in the 21st round of the MLB First-Year Player Draft, no. 629th overall. Henry’s selection marks the 21st time a Gent has been selected in the MLB Draft since 1979.
A D3Baseball.com All-American in 2015, Henry had quite the year. In 24 appearances on the mound, the SCAC Pitcher of the Year led the SCAC in both saves (nine, 15th in the nation) and strikeouts (85, 21st in the nation). He finished second in the conference and 28th in the nation in ERA (1.59) while finishing seventh in the nation in strikeouts per nine innings (12.3).
Other honors for Henry this season include selection for the D3baseball.com and ABCA All-West Regional Team as well as being named the D3baseball.com West Region Pitcher of the Year. These awards capped off a notable career for Henry, who made 79 appearances and finished with an 18-13 record with 17 saves, two complete games and 202 strikeouts in 217.2 innings pitched in four seasons. He is the Centenary career leader in saves and stands fourth in both wins and strikeouts while ranking eighth in innings pitched.
Henry helped lead Centenary to its second SCAC regular-season title in three seasons and a runner-up finish in the conference tournament. The Gents finished the 2015 campaign 24-17 overall and 15-3 in SCAC play.
Ben Libuda, LHP, Worcester State
Atlanta Braves, 26th round, No. 780th overall
Ht.: 6-7. Wt.: 190.
Bats: Left. Throws: Left.
Hometown: Auburn, Mass.
Senior lefthander Ben Libudawas selected as the 15th pick in the 26th round of the annual MLB First-Year Player Draft by the Atlanta Braves.
As the 780th overall pick, Libuda joins Tim Stronach and Nate Nelson as the other Worcester State baseball players who have been taken in the annual draft. Stronach was the 18th pick of the Mets in the 22nd round of the 2006 draft while Nelson was the 17th choice of the Blue Jays, going in the 40th round in 2008.
En-route to helping propel the Blue and Gold to claim a share of their eighth MASCAC Regular Season title, Libuda went 5-2 with 40 strikeouts in 47.0 innings while permitting 12 earned runs for a staff-high 2.30 ERA. Libuda had the tenth lowest ERA in the conference and he went the distance six times in seven starts to rank among the league leaders in the category.
Of the 46 hits he allowed on the campaign to 173 batters, Libuda only surrendered six extra base-knocks, five for doubles and one home run.
Over the course of his career, Libuda posted a 14-7 overall record with a 2.73 ERA. He fanned 104 over 151.2 innings and he notched 13 complete games in 20 starts. He has the fourth-lowest career ERA in Worcester State history and he is tied for sixth on the all-time wins list.
In 2014, Libuda helped the Lancers capture MASCAC Regular Season title and the MASCAC Tournament Championship which culminated in the programs fifth NCAA Division III Tournament appearance. Libuda was named to the All-MASCAC First-team and he was selected as the Worcester Area Pitcher of the Year, by the area sports information directors.
Seth Davis, LHP, Augustana
New York Mets, 29th round, No. 869th overall
Ht.: 5-10. Wt.: 185.
Bats: Left. Throws: Left.
Hometown: Aurora, Colo.
Seth Davis was the fifth D-III player taken in the MLB First-Year Player Draft. Davis was the 29th pick of the New York Mets and the second D-III player selected by the Mets in 2015. His was the 869th overall pick and becomes just the third Viking ever chosen in the MLB draft.
Davis joins exclusive company in being drafted. The only two previous selections from Augustana were outfielder Bob Karlblom, chosen in the 25th round by the Chicago White Sox in 1965 and right-hander John Benedetti, picked by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the 10th round of the 2000 draft. Karlblom, who hit .436 as a senior for the Vikings, did not play professionally. Benedetti, whose career records for strikeouts (290) and innings pitched (266.1) Davis surpassed, went 25-12 with a 3.14 ERA in four seasons at Augustana. He went on to a successful five-year minor league career, reaching the Double-A level, where he went 7-5 with three saves and a 3.27 ERA in two seasons.
This past season, Davis went 5-2 with a 3.70 ERA and fanned 92 batters in 65.2 innings. He was an ABCA All-Region selection, shared Augustana's Most Outstanding Pitcher award and was a three-time CCIW Pitcher of the Week honoree. He finished fourth in the nation with an average of 12.61 strikeouts per nine innings. He fanned a career-high 16 batters in a complete game win over Edgewood and struck out 15 on two other occasions. He picked off four runners in a complete-game win over Widener, including the final out of the game.
Davis wrapped up a tremendous career last month as Augustana's all-time leader in innings pitched (275) and strikeouts (331). His strikeout total is third among active pitchers at the Division III level and he owns three of the top five single-season whiff totals in school history. He finished his career with a 20-8 record and a 3.01 ERA, ranking sixth all-time at Augustana in wins and ERA. Possessor of an exceptional move to first, he picked off a remarkable 37 runners in four seasons.
Davis was a three-time All-CCIW selection and a two-time all-region pick as well as a second team ABCA/Rawlings All-American in 2013. He was twice chosen as the Vikings' Most Outstanding Pitcher, won CCIW Pitcher of the Week honors on five occasions and led the league in strikeouts in 2013 and 2014.
Tim Ingram, RHP, SUNY Old Westbury
Tampa Rays, 31st round, No. 928th overall
Ht.: 6-0. Wt.: 195.
Bats: Right. Throws: Right.
Hometown: Westbury, N.Y.
The 31st round selection of the Tampa Rays in the MLB First-Year Player Draft was SUNY Old Westbury pitcher Tim Ingram. Ingram was the 928th overall pick.
Ingram became the second Panther to advance to the professional ranks, joining Robert Whitenack, who was selected by the Chicago Cubs in the eighth round in the 2009 MLB Draft.
The two-time first-team all-conference selection posted an 8-3 record on the mound with a 1.82 earned run average in 14 appearances (10 starts). Ingram allowed just 20 walks and eight extra-base hits while holding the opposition to a .194 batting average. He tossed a pair of shutouts and totaled four complete-game outings to lead the conference in wins, strikeouts, strikeouts looking (25), opposing batting average, innings pitched and games started. In 2015, Ingram became Old Westbury's single-season strikeout leader, retiring 92 batters on strikes in 69.1 innings of work.
Ingram totaled 14 strikeouts in eight innings in Old Westbury's 7-5 victory over Baldwin Wallace on May 13 to earn the Panthers' first NCAA Division III Tournament win since 2000.
Ingram also ranked among the NCAA Division III leaders in strikeouts per nine innings (8th, 11.94), strikeouts (10th), hits allowed per nine innings (24th, 6.1), victories (27th), WHIP (29th, 0.97) and earned run average (54th).
Ingram became the first Panther hurler to win back-to-back Skyline Conference Pitcher of the Year laurels since Robert Whitenack repeated in 2008 and 2009. He was also an honorable mention selection on the D3baseball.com All-American team.
During his two-year career at Old Westbury, Ingram struck out 165 batters over 130 innings en route to registering a 14-6 record. In 19 career starts (23 appearances), he tossed eight complete games, including two shutouts and one combined shutout while holding the opposing to a .194 batting average.
Nick Dean, SS, Maryville
Los Angeles Dodgers, 32nd round, No. 972nd overall
Ht.: 6-1. Wt.: 200.
Bats: Right. Throws: Right.
Hometown: Mineral Bluff, Ga.
Nick Dean was the second position player to hear his name in the MLB First-Year Player Draft. The Maryville shortstop was a 32nd round pick of the Los Angeles Dodgers, 972nd overall. Dean is the first Scot to be drafted in the fifty years of the MLB Draft.
Glen Cullop was Maryville's last professional prospect when he signed a free-agent contract to pitch in the Cincinnati Reds organization in 1992.
Dean leaves the Scots' diamond men after having etched his name on seven different categories within the Maryville record books.
Earlier this season, Dean became Maryville's all-time career hits leader, breaking Ben Peters' record of 226 from 2006-09. Dean will leave the Scots touting 247 career hits in the Orange and Garnet.
This year, Dean broke the season records for hits, with 74 total to rank 10th nationally. He also set the bar for RBIs (51) and on-base percentage (.526), while hitting an incredible .454 – a total that ranks third in Maryville history.
Dean's average ranked 13th among DIII hitters. His 116 total bases ranked 15th nationally while his RBIs were 22nd best across Division III. Dean was equally impressive on defense finishing with a .930 fielding percentage with over 240 fielding chances this season.
This swift-footed shortstop has set a new standard for the Scots' baseball program, becoming the first-ever Maryville diamondman to be the program's first two-time All-American as he picked up a second-team mention on the D3baseball.com list. The two-time USA South Player of the Year becomes the fourth Fighting Scot to earn All-American honors in the NCAA Division III era.
Maryville head coach Cody Church was excited for Nick and the standard he has helped set for his program. "I am so excited for Nick," stated the first year mentor. "I am very appreciative that the Dodgers organization recognized his numbers and consistency and were willing to take a chance on a great baseball player and solid young man to display his skills in their organization. It is also a big day for our program and we look forward to preparing future student-athletes to fulfill their dreams just like Nick has."
Donnie Cimino, OF, Wesleyan (Conn.)
Chicago Cubs, 37th round, No. 1103rd overall
Ht.: 6-2. Wt.: 205.
Bats: Right. Throws: Right.
Hometown: Westwood, N.J.
Donnie Cimino was a 37th round pick of the Chicago Cubs, the 1103rd overall pick. He was the second D-III outfielder taken with NESCAC rival Amherst's Mike Odenwaelder chosen 21 rounds earlier.
Cimino was tops on the Cardinals with his .362 batting average, complemented by nine doubles, two triples, three homers, 28 RBI and a team-leading 34 runs. He had just one error in the field in 80 chances and had 14 steals in 18 attempts.
Cimino was named to the all-tournament team at the 2015 NCAA regional, where the Cardinals went 2-2, as he went 7-for-17 (.412) with two RBI and a run scored.
His 69 hits in 2013 is a program single-season standard and his 240 career hits is far and away tops on the Wesleyan list. He started all 163 possible games over four years, amassed a program-record 646 at-bats, scored 144 runs, four shy of the school standard, and 129 RBI.
Cimino was named all-NESCAC all four years. As a freshman and sophomore, he led the NESCAC in batting average and he finished with a career .373 average. He was named all-New England twice, and was a two-time captain. He was instrumental in helping the Cardinals win the NESCAC championship in both 2014 and 2015.
He also was a two-time football captain at Wesleyan as a defensive back and kick returner, and was a captain for two straight 7-1 football seasons and a share of the NESCAC title in 2013. He was a three-year all-NESCAC honoree on the gridiron.
“This is a great moment for Donnie, and the entire Wesleyan baseball family is so happy for him,” said Wesleyan head coach Mark Woodworth. “His character and work ethic and commitment directly led to this outstanding achievement. Much like all he accomplished leading the baseball and football teams to success at Wesleyan, we wish him the absolute best in the next chapter of his baseball career.”
Stephen Zavala, C, Whittier
St. Louis, 37th round, No. 1121st overall
Ht.: 5-7. Wt.: 165.
Bats: Right. Throws: Right.
Hometown: Whittier, Calif.
The Whittier Poets' catcher was a 37th round pick of the St. Louis Cardinals. His pick was the 1121st overall selection in the MLB First-Year Player Draft.
At the plate Zavala combined for 155 plate appearances with 37 hits, which included five doubles, a triple, and three home runs for a .301 batting average. He drove in 18 and scored 32 times, had 23 walks, stole seven bases, and finished with a .428 on base percentage.
Zavala beat out seven other catchers becoming the Division III National Gold Glove Winner. Zavala was perfect behind the dish with a 1.000 fielding percentage. He allowed just 21 stolen bases and caught a conference high 12 runners attempting to steal finishing with a .364 runners caught stealing percentage. Out of 208 chances totaled 183 put outs and 25 assists, with no errors.
Matt Foley, C, Rhode Island College
Miami, 40th round, No. 1196th overall
Ht.: 6-5. Wt.: 230.
Bats: Right. Throws: Right.
Hometown: Seekonk, Mass.
Matt Foley was the tenth D-III player selected in the 2015 MLB First-Year Player Draft. He was the final selection, 40th round, of the Miami Marlins, 1196th overall.
Foley won the triple crown for the Little East in 2015, leading the league in batting average (.453), RBI (45) and home runs (11). He played in 34 games, starting all of them. He batted .453 (53-for-117), with 43 runs scored, 53 hits, 10 doubles, three triples, 11 home runs and 45 RBI. He registered a .872 slugging percentage, a .515 on-base percentage and a .988 fielding percentage.
Foley was named a First Team All-American by both D3baseball.com and the ABCA for his performance in the 2015 season. Foley was named First Team All-New England by the New England Intercollegiate Baseball Association (NEIBA), D3baseball.com and ABCA He was a First Team All-Little East and team MVP selection as well.
Robert Lucido, C, Amherst
Toronto Blue Jays, 40th round, No. 1202nd overall
Ht.: 5-10. Wt.: 175.
Bats: Right. Throws: Right.
Hometown: Woodstock, Md.
Robert Lucido was the 40th pick of the Toronto Blue Jays. Lucido last appeared on the Amherst roster in 2013 and has not played for the last two years for the Lord Jeffs.
Lucido appeared in 12 games with Amherst in his freshman and sophomore years with one hit in 12 at-bats and two runs scored.